Two new cases of the mpox virus were identified in Hawaii last week, bringing the total this year to seven cases. One case was found in Sweden last week as well as in Zambia and Zimbabwe for the first time.

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In Africa - the origin of the virus - the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has announced a concerning rise in Mpox virus cases across the continent, with the Director General warning that the situation is getting out of control. "I have to say it clearly and loudly that Mpox is getting out of control if we do not act," he said. Since January, a total of 42,000 monkeypox cases have been confirmed through testing in Africa.

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In an important step in combatting the pandemic, the U.S. NIH announced the results of a clinical trial which found the Bavarian Nordic vaccine safe and effective for adolescents. The WHO and European Union have already authorized use of the vaccine for children aged 12-17.

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Last month BVNRY signed an agreement to send 1 million doses to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). Similarly, the U.S. government ordered $63 million of the vaccine last month. BVNRY increased its revenue and earnings guidance in step.